Gall Bladder Meridian
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GB-17
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal
Location
1 cun posterior to Muchuang GB-16 or 2.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline.
Main Actions
- Opens the Mind's Orificies
- Subdues Liver Yang
Indications
Commentary
Zhengying GB-17 has a strong calming effect on mental or emotional issues by removing the Phlegm from the Mind's Orifices. Typical manifestations are obsessive thoughts, pensiveness and mild manic behavior.
Like almost all Gall Bladder Channel point on the head, it subdues Liver Yang Rising, characterized by headache, dizziness and blurred vision.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Zhengying is listed as a meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel and the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel).
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Zhengying among the Gallbladder channel points on the head, indicated for head disorders.
Point Name Interpretation: The name 'Zhengying' (正營) can be translated as 'Upright Nutrition' or 'Upright Construction,' referring to the point's role in maintaining the proper transformation of Yang Qi in the head region, preventing the hot wind-qi from becoming cold dampness.
How to Locate
With the patient looking straight ahead, Zhengying GB-17 is located on the pupil line and 2.5 cun superior to the anterior hairline. This pupil line is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.
Caution
As a scalp point, needle only subcutaneously (transversely) along the surface of the cranium. Do not attempt perpendicular deep insertion as the skull provides limited soft tissue depth. Ensure proper technique to avoid periosteal discomfort.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1.5 cun transversely towards the occiput or the site of the disorder/pain.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness on the scalp. Deqi may radiate along the temporal region. Due to the shallow insertion over the cranium, sensations are typically mild compared to body points.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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